How do you handle feedback and rejection in a career transition process?

So, you're expecting rejection, but maybe not this much. . . so what's happening? If you feel like you're hitting walls, you might think about getting another perspective from others who have made career transitions. What do they see that you're not seeing? Do informational interviews with those in the industry or role you want to enter. What's missing? If you can, hire a coach. What can they bring to the table to get you over the hump?

When it comes to feedback and rejection, it is only negative if you decide it is. If one changes their mindset to see it as an opportunity to learn and grow, they become more receptive to it. Then, they can process it and apply the lessons learned to future opportunities.

Most career transitions and job searches are like an emotional roller coaster. The highs come you take each successful step towards a final interview. All of this leads to excitement, hope, and feeling good about how you have made your way through the gauntlet. And then the company offers the job to the other finalist. Now everything turns to disappointment and despair. All that time and effort feels wasted. You are frustrated. Take a few days off, sulk, blow off steam, do what you need to do to put this experience in the rear view mirror. Because if you take that disappointment, despair, and sulking into the next interview you are only going to hurt your chances for an offer for the next position you interview for.

One thing I've found helpful is to reframe the negative by writing down the positive outcomes as a reminder that things are working even when it feels like they're not. It creates a visual so the positive outweighs the negative thoughts.

You're not alone!! Lots of folks have been through this and come out the other side - and you will too, eventually. In my work with people making career transitions, I've found that support helps, but the other thing that helps is having a plan. People hate ambiguity, and the more concrete you can make something, or the more you can have "to-do's" rather than just a big, squishy mess, the better you will feel. So get support and a road map, and you'll feel better. The transition will happen!

Career transitions are never linear. Each rejection is not a verdict on your abilities, but a signal to refine your narrative. It's about showcasing how your transferable skills align with new roles, without losing sight of your unique value. Patience, confidence, and precision are your co-pilots on this journey of professional reinvention.

It's true that career transition takes us to places we would rather not go. Most of us can't wait for it to be over and done with, until the next time. I chose to stay in career transition for years. Why? Because this is where I witnessed the most growth. Feedback and rejection played a huge part in this. Helping people change and move on (with their careers and lives) in ways that would never have been possible otherwise. When you're in transition it's hard but so much good happens here too. Welcome feedback, accept rejections, move forward and grow.

Don’t wait for a career transition to prepare for one. One of the biggest factors in being resilient to rejection and feedback is having confidence that it’s nothing more than a step in the growth process. When you’re weak and under pressure because you’ve ignored maintaining your transition skills, you’re more likely to have it knock you back. Fear and insecurity are huge threats and hinder your ability to learn and bounce back. So, keep your skills sharp, have regular career conversations, and continuously build your brand. That will allow feedback to hit when you’re strong, strengthening the muscles at an opportune time and making you more resilient when you’re weak.

Sometimes the journey is more exciting than the destination! Keeping your skills sharp by continuously investing in your own personal growth is satisfying and rewarding.